APPLETON, WI – The Northeast Wisconsin Arts Association (NEWAA) has forged a new partnership with Foxley’s Gallery at 623 W. College Ave. in Downtown Appleton. To introduce the community to their new headquarters, NEWAA is planning a celebration showcasing more than six live art demos, an artisan market, a daytime DJ, live music, and a curated art exhibit featuring original work of more than 20 regional member artists. The Open House celebration takes place Noon-9pm on Saturday, January 20th. This all-ages free event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, donations to support NEWAA’s work are welcome at the door. (Facebook event link: )NEWAA's New Headquarters Open House Celebration at Foxley's

NEWAA's New Headquarters Open House Celebration at Foxley's
Join us as we celebrate NEWAA's new digs at Foxley's Gallery on College Avenue in Downtown Appleton. Com...

Having a physical space is a significant move forward for the new arts association. “We are thrilled to have a site in the heart of Northeast Wisconsin where we can host exhibits, classes, and workshops,” says NEWAA Executive Director and Co-Founder Jean Detjen. “Providing meaningful face to face connection and conversation opportunities is just as important for us as having a welcoming space to display local art.”
A regional nonprofit organization, NEWAA had its “soft opening” in September 2017, welcoming artist members across 28 categories and 18 counties in Northeastern Wisconsin. The association also includes arts organizations, supporting businesses, and arts patrons in its member directory. Annual memberships start at $30/year with discounts for students, teachers, veterans, seniors, and other nonprofits.

NEWAA's mission is to connect and grow NE Wisconsin's economic, educational, and civic sectors by connecting the arts and the community it benefits in many ways. Their efforts focus on nurturing the creative economy in this region, connecting people via all expressions of art, and bringing more art opportunities into more people's lives.

Serving as a connection and resource hub for local artists and the creative community at large, NEWAA is positioned as a "go to" source for artists to be found and for artists to find the resources and connections needed to thrive and be recognized in our region. In addition to spotlighting local artists, NEWAA’s website also features a free events calendar, a jobs and volunteer board, a monthly newsletter with business and artist spotlights, member discounts for business services, and listings for community resources often needed by artists.

“Not only are we intent on connecting, uplifting, and shining a spotlight on our region's diverse creative community, says Detjen. “We also recognize the very real human needs of artists living and working in our neighborhoods. Providing a supportive network that helps artists locate resources, identify opportunities, grow their skills, and find important connections is very valuable to our growing creative population,” she says.

“We all benefit from artists’ countless contributions to quality of life. People want to live where they have access to interesting arts and culture amenities. NEWAA recognizes the tremendous value of artists in our community and we want to help keep them here!”

“Our goal is to develop and promote the work of Northeast Wisconsin artists in all disciplines, genres and scopes, says Co-Founder Greg Kinley, NEWAA’s Director of Operations. “Art of all kinds in both expression and enjoyment is life-enhancing in myriad ways for people from all walks of life. Bringing more creative opportunities into all people’s lives is an integral aspect of our work.”

The new home base for NEWAA brings about exciting changes for Foxley’s Gallery which has evolved to focus strongly on original artwork. Having a welcoming, accessible location to meet with artists, showcase local art, and hold events and workshops is something Foxley’s owner Eric Miller has provided by offering ample space to highlight NEWAA artists along with the gallery’s traditional framing services.

“We did a big remodel here about six years ago, raising the ceilings and exposing brick that echoes this building’s 120 year history in Downtown Appleton,” says Miller. The gallery also added a “coffee and conversation” corner in the back of the store to encourage visitors to relax and stay a while when they stop in.

“We’re excited about our partnership with NEWAA that will give local artists more opportunities to show and sell their art, which is important,” he says. Plans are to change out the original artwork on display at Foxley’s every couple of months to keep things interesting for gallery visitors.

In addition to providing desirable display space off College Avenue in the front gallery, Miller also gives artists a framing discount on their work to further show his appreciation. “We want creative people to know they are valued members of this community and that we want them to stick around and make more art for all of us to enjoy.”

The majority of the newly installed art display is scheduled to remain on display throughout the winter season at Foxley’s. New original work will be brought in on a regular basis; customers are encouraged to stop in regularly to see what’s new.

For more information, go to NEWAA’s website, subscribe to their mailing list, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and YouTube.